How to REMOVE APP SEARCH BAR in Microsoft Outlook? Solved

If you have recently updated Microsoft Outlook and find yourself struggling with the app search bar that unexpectedly appeared above the message list, there are workarounds to resolve this issue. In this article, we will discuss how to remove the app search bar and when to anticipate a permanent fix.

According to reports, after updating to version 24.0.2 and this particular build, Outlook started displaying an app search bar above the message list. This change might crowd the search box, depending on how you have your reading pane set up. Fortunately, the Outlook team has acknowledged this problem and is working on a solution.

The team has already implemented a fix for the issue, which is expected to be included in the public update scheduled for February 13th. However, it is always advisable to stay updated as there might be changes to the anticipated release date.

In the meantime, if you need to work around the issue and continue using the search function, there are two possible solutions. The first workaround suggests changing the reading pane's position. You can set it to the bottom by clicking "View" and selecting "Reading Pane > Bottom," or turn it off completely.

The second workaround involves reverting to the build before the issue occurred. To do this, exit all Office applications and open the Start menu. From there, run the applications as an administrator. Follow the commands provided in the description to revert to the previous installation.

To ensure you don't miss out on the February 13th update, it is recommended to add a reminder to your calendar. This way, you can promptly check back on this topic to confirm whether the issue has been fixed.

Microsoft is aware of the inconvenience caused by the app search bar in Outlook and aims to address it with the upcoming update. With a little patience and the right steps, you can eliminate this annoying feature from your Outlook experience.

Hopefully, these workarounds and the knowledge of a pending fix will prove helpful to those struggling with the app search bar in Microsoft Outlook.